Newry Island's fringing reefs wrap around the island in crystal-clear waters, offering a classic Great Barrier Reef snorkeling experience away from the crowds. Part of the Northumberland Islands group, this remote island is surrounded by shallow coral gardens that start just metres from the beach. The fringing reef structure provides sheltered conditions ideal for exploring coral bommies and sandy patches teeming with tropical reef fish. The protected leeward side offers calm, beginner-friendly snorkeling, while the windward edges can have more current and larger marine life encounters.
Newry Island fringing reefs (Northumberland Islands group)
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.1 mSwell Period 2.6 sWind Speed 7.3 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Low risk: Tidal currents
Tidal currents can develop around the island's points and between Newry and neighbouring islands. Snorkel with caution on the windward side.
Low risk: Marine stingers
Marine stingers (box jellyfish and Irukandji) are present in tropical Queensland waters during the warmer months.
Low risk: Sharp coral
Coral and rocky reef edges can cause cuts if swimmers make contact.
Wildlife Guide
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
Newry Island is part of the Northumberland Islands group off the coast of central Queensland. Access is by private boat or charter from the mainland (e.g., Mackay or Sarina). No public ferry service. The island is within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Parking & facilities
Parking available at mainland boat ramps (e.g., Sarina or Mackay). No parking on the island itself.
Visitors to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park may need to pay a Marine Park fee. Check current GBRMPA requirements.
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports